Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Greater London Essex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 479.3 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Rainham Marshes is a special nature reserve in east London. It is looked after by the RSPB. This amazing place is right next to the Thames Estuary.
The land was bought in 2000 from the Ministry of Defence. They used it as a test firing range for many years. After being unused for a while, the reserve opened to the public in 2006. It still looks much like it did in the Medieval times. It is the biggest wetland area on the upper Thames Estuary.
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Amazing Wildlife at Rainham Marshes
Rainham Marshes is home to many different animals and plants. You can find many kinds of birds here. There are also lots of wetland plants and insects.
The reserve has one of the largest groups of water voles in the country. These small animals are like furry river rats. In 2005, a rare bird called a sociable lapwing visited the site. Over 1,700 people came to see it! Later, four penduline tits were also seen.
It costs nothing to enter the reserve if you live in Thurrock or the London Borough of Havering.
Eco-Friendly Visitor Centre
The reserve has a modern visitor centre. It was built to be good for the environment. The centre uses solar panels to make electricity. It also collects rainwater to use.
The building lets in lots of natural light. It also has natural air flow. A special system uses heat from the ground to keep it warm or cool. This visitor centre cost £2 million and opened in 2006. It has won many awards for its green design.
Protected Land
Rainham Marshes is a very important natural area. Most of it is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is protected by law because of its wildlife. The part in the London Borough of Havering is also a "Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation."
A section of the reserve is also a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This part is west of a drain that runs south from Brookway. The RSPB manages the southern part of the LNR. Havering Council looks after the northern part.
Making Energy from Rubbish
The marshes to the west of the nature reserve are used as a landfill site. This is where rubbish from London and the local area goes. Rainham Landfill is a very large site. It can take up to 1,500,000 tonnes of rubbish each year.
The site also has special areas. One is for sorting materials that can be recycled. Another is for green waste like garden clippings. There are also facilities to clean soil. A plant treats dirty water that comes from the rubbish.
As the organic rubbish breaks down, it creates a gas. This gas contains about 50 percent methane. This "landfill gas" is collected using pipes. Since 2001, this gas has been used to make electricity!
The power station on site uses the gas to run engines. These engines create electricity. This electricity is then sent to the National Grid. The station can power about 14,600 homes each year. It is expected to keep making electricity from landfill gas for many more years.
Before it became a protected nature reserve, Rainham Marshes was once thought of as a place for Euro Disney. Luckily, a site in Paris was chosen instead.
